The Lumine News

Author: News

  • C/River Gov’t Optimistic On Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, Says Dr. Asibong

    By George Odok Jnr

    The Cross River Government has expressed its readiness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 in the state.

    Dr Inyang Asibong, Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, gave the assurance during a sensitisation workshop organised by her ministry for Policy Heads and Legislators on the implementation of the SDGs.

    The workshop, which was held at the Obudu Ranch Resort, was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on SDGs.

    Asibong said that her ministry was the coordinating ministry for the achievement and implementation of the SDGs which is divided into environmental, economic and social.

    According to her, the year 2020 was marked for Sustainable Development Goals, hence the state needed to achieve the goals.

    “As a state, we need to achieve this goals. SDGs are everything we can think of and in Cross Ricer, we are already on the move, coordinating and working with other implementing Ministries, Departments and Afencies.

    “We have a wide range of MDAs here with us and our focus is to brainstorm and see how we can achieve this goals.

    “After this, we are going to set up a steering committee on SDGs. The committee will be known at the state, national and international level with a view to propel the state towards attainment of SDGs,” she said.

    Speaking, Dr Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, said that they were in Cross River to support the state in their effort to mainstream and integrate the relevant SGDs into their medium and long term development plans.

    Yunusa said that following the expiration of the development goals in 2015, world leaders met, including Nigeria, to adopt the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

    He explained that the agenda envision the present and future that is economically sustainable, socially inclusive and environmentally resilient.

    He said that the 2030 agenda is expressed through the premium of 17 Sstainable Development Goals, 169 targets and 230 key performance indicators.

    “These are universal goals adopted by world leaders by way of holding themselves accountable for their commitment towards international development.

    “We are in Cross River to also see the mechanism put in place to help strengthen the state to be able to do medium and long term development plan that is SDG based.

    “That means a plan and aspiration based on the development priorities of Cross River, but embedded within the SDG framework so that all the resources of the state will then be channelled towards the implementation of the relevant SDG that the state will choose to intergrate,” he said.

    In his remarks, Gov. Ben Ayade of the state, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Tina Agbor, said that the decision of the state to create a ministry for International Development cooperation in 2019 was well conceived.

    He explained that his administration has given utmost priority to industrialisation and agricultural revolution in the state.

    Mr Edward Ajang, a member of the Cross River House of Assembly and Chairman House Committee on International Development and SGDs, said that the state had witnessed massive development through the SDGs.

    Ajang said that under the SDGs, Cross River has witnessed improvement in primary healthcare, access to basic education, reduction in infant and maternal mortality, improved sanitation among others.

  • Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba Buries Wife Amidst Tears, Says He Should Be Bury Beside His Wife If He Dies

    By Admin

    The leader of the 7th senate, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, after losing his mother, mother in-law, aide, and house to hoodlums this year, buried his late wife on Saturday, and said he should be buried next to his wife if he dies.

    Ndoma-Egba who lost his wife, Amaka to accident in November, made this kniwn on Saturday in Akparabong, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State during the interment service of his wife.

    “Whenever I die, bury me beside my wife”, Ndoma-Egba told the officiating minister and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Rev. Fr. Dr. Donatus Akpan.

    Ndoma-Egba was former Senate Leader and Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District.

    He averred that  “my wife was devoted to service of humanity and she did not only established public infrastructure such as schools and the Catholic parish where she was buried. She developed many individuals. No one comes to our house as a none graduate and leaves without being a graduate”.

    The former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission also noted that many sorrowful things have happened to him this year and people have asked God why. “I can’t question God because He has blessed me many times in a year and he never questioned why the many blessings. I am grateful for that Amaka, though she lived a short life but it was a fulfilled life”.

    Delivering his sermon, Bishop Akpan said: “No one can escape death. Some would say why wouldn’t she had live longer than died”. He described late Amaka as a peaceful individual who treated people with honour and showed no disdain to people who go close to her.

    Condolence messages also came from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Nigerian Senate President, Armed Lawan, Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade, Sen. Sandy Onor,  senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and several others.

    The interment service was attended by many dignitaries including the former governor of the state, Donald Duke and his wife Onari, the deputy governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, and many members of the state executive council among many others.

    Amaka, born 54 years ago was betrothed to Ndoma-Egba when he was a commissioner in the state.

     

  • Cross River Police Command Nabs Robbery Suspects In Calabar

    Culled from the Nation

    The Police Command in Cross River State has arrested four suspects who were allegedly involved in a reported robbery case on Sunday in Calabar where a victim was shot and later confirmed dead in the hospital.

    The robbery incident occurred at #6 Asang Eniong Street, Calabar South LGA in the early morning hours when the robbers attacked the compound and eventually shot by the mouth, one of the victims whose name was given as Ekanem Ekanem- male, 48 years. He was later confirmed dead in the Navy Hospital Calabar.

    Commissioner of Police Abdulkadir Jimoh who paraded the suspects before newsmen disclosed that the acted upon intelligence and was directed to Goldie market close to Unical Goldie- gate where they suspects were arrested.

    He named the suspects as Theophilus Nwosu M’ aged 25years; Godwin Ekwen M’ aged 27 years; Adigor Emmanuel M’ aged 20 years and Benjare Clement Arikpo m’ aged 30 years. The items recovered from them are as follows; Two locally made Pistols; One live cartridge; One expended cartridge; Two android Techno Phones; One small Itel phone and One Fantom Phone.

    CP Jimoh noted that investigation is still on and warned hoodlums who don’t want to turn a new leaf and they off crime to be rest assured that the State Command of the Nigerian Police will fish them out to face the law.

    Recall that the Police command in the state, last week secured the reprimand of 8 suspects at the Afokang Correctional Service centre, Calabar on charges of kidnapping, terrorism and possession of illegal firearms.

    A Federal High sitting in Calabar gave the order in Charge numbers FHC / CA / 94c / 2020 and three others on a two count charge of charges number: FHC /CA/95c / 2020 for three others.

    The Presiding Judge ,Justice S.M Shaibu ordered that the 8 defendants be remanded at Calabar Correctional facility on a three count charge and two count charge respectively levelled against them by the police.

    He ordered that the 8 of them be remanded till 25 of February 2021 at the centre pending their trial at the Federal High Court 1 ,Calabar.

    Recall that the 8 of them were arrested by Operation Delta Safe,OPDS and handed over to the police before they were charged to a Federal High Court by the Federal Government ( Nigeria Police Force).

    The Nation learnt that Ita Ndiyo 28, KENNETH ATU IV’ 32 ,Idiang Idisng 33,BASSEY OKON 27 ,Ndifon Ajom ‘ 23 YEARS were arrested with 2 Pump action guns, (2) 1 Locally made pistol gun, (3) 10 Live cartridges, (4) Six 9mm live ammunitions as they dispossessed a Cameroonian and other victims of cash in the tune of 3 .8 million naira as well as CFA270,000.00 in Cameroon CFA and were arrested on the act.

    Others include Moses Edem 18 Godwin Nyong 24 and 19 years Bassey Etim who were also arrested by OPDS after they picked and held their victim, Mrs. Theresa Francis Nyong and held her hostage for some days and demanded ransom of Thirty Million NairaN30.000,000.00).

    All 8 of them pleaded not guilty to all the charges leveled against them by police as the matter was adjourned to February 25, 2021 and March 3 and 4 while other would be on March 15 to 17 respectively.

  • Nigerian Artist Omah Lay Charged To Court In Uganda For Allegedly Defying Covid19 Orders

    By Inakefe Denis

    Nigeria Artist is said to be arrested and charged to court in Uganda for violating Covid-19 protocols.

    Omah Lay said all effort by Nigerian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs seeking his release have been rejected.

    Few months ago,Funke Akindele aka Jennifer was arrested here in Nigeria for violating covid19 guidelines and Nigerians condemned the government action. Here were are having Uganda Government arresting and charging to court a Nigerian for covid19 violation.

    Omah Lay is one of the best and sensational Nigerian artist.

  • Distinguished Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor Bags An Award Of Appreciation.

    Caterpillar Media

    The cerebral and eloquent Senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State, Distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor has been conferred with an Award of Appreciation by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in recognition of his outstanding love, care, passion, support and effective representation.

    The Distinguished Senator who was represented by Mr. Wilfred Usani at the Annual Dinner/Inauguration of the ICAN Calabar and District Society at Channel View Calabar as Chairman of the award ceremony thanked the organizers and the leadership of ICAN for their contribution to societal development. Senator Onor who saw the award as a call to higher service promised to continue to offer his best to justify the confidence reposed on him by his constituents. He stressed the fact that his mandate came from the masses and said that he will leave no stone unturned to improve their welfare and wellbeing. He renewed his determination and commitment to the provision of basic infrastructure to enhance their standard of living.

    On behalf of the Distinguished Senator, Mr. Wilfred went ahead to Congratulate the newly inaugurated Executive Committee of ICAN Calabar and all the Awardees for their steadfastness in service to the noble Association in particular and the society at all. In his words; “Sen. Sandy Onor feels deeply honoured to be chosen to chair this august occasion. As we all know, ICAN is an esteemed and honourable Professional Association whose legacies and activities are worthy of praise and as such, being a part of this event, I must say it is a great honour and privilege which I’ll forever cherish.” Speaking further, he said that “Sen. Onor is a leader who is committed to changing the dynamics of politics and this can be seen in his numerous activities and programmes across the LGAs in Central Senatorial District within a short period of time. By God’s grace, the Central Senatorial District will wear a new look before his term comes to end. In all, he has asked me to inform you all that you should expect more from him even as you keep doing your best in all of your endeavours.”

    Meanwhile, in his presentation, the Chairman of ICAN, Sir Charley Joseph Arako, FCA described Senator Sandy Onor as a rare leader the Central Senatorial District and indeed Cross River State and the World at large is privileged to have, especially at this critical time when many politicians have drifted away from the ethics and raison d’etre of politics. He charged people in authority to always consider the poor masses in the sacrificially way Sen. Sandy Onor is doing. Describing the Distinguished Senator as a father to millions, Sir Arako appreciated him on behalf of the association for his moral, social and financial support which has assisted the Association enormously.

  • FHC Commits Former Enugu Poly Rector To Prison For Defrauding Students Of Over N1m

    By Admin

    Justice N.I. Buba of the Federal High Court, Enugu, Enugu State, on Thursday, December 10, 2020, committed Dr Isidore Ojukwu Nwankwo to prison for fraud against students of Enugu Polytechnic.

    Nwankwo, former Rector, Enugu Polytechnic, Ndeabor, Ani-Nri, Local Government Area, was prosecuted by the Enugu Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on six-counts charges, bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N1,153,700.00 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-three Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira), being the amount he obtained by fraud from some students of the school in contravention of Section 1(1)(a) of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 1(3) of the Same Act.

    Nwankwo’s journey to prison began when one Eze and 19 other students of the school petitioned the Enugu Zonal Office of the EFCC, alleging that they were deceived into believing that the school was partly owned by the Enugu State government and accredited by the appropriate authorities, following which they paid the sums of N5, 000 for admission form, N10, 000 for acceptance fee and N35, 000 for first semester school fees, before discovering that it was an illegal institution.

    Investigation by the EFCC, revealed that the state government has no business with the school; and that the school is neither recognized by the state government, nor registered with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    While noting that prosecution counsel, Michael Ani Ikechukwu, proved his case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubts, Justice N.I. Buba convicted and sentenced him to one year imprisonment and further ordered him to restitute the students, the sum of N1,153,700.00.

     

  • Prince Of Urhobo Kingdom Shot Dead By Unknown Gunmen In Udu 

    Culled From HGS Media

    Triple chief and Prince of Urhobo kingdom, Elvis Otedafe Onojerame also known as Prince Kasuwa was shot dead on Sunday afternoon. HGS Media Plus reports.

    The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday afternoon, December 13 at Udu road in Udu Local Government Area of Warri, Delta State.

    HGS Media Plus gathered that chief Elvis was also the Prince of Urhobo kingdom in Udu, Delta State.

    According to report gathered by HGS Media Plus, Prince Elvis was shot inside his car alongside his friend by the unknown gunmen who attacked them near a commercial bank, (First Bank) in Udu.

  • Tension In Calabar As 19 Suspected Arm Robbers And Kidnappers Escaped From Police Custody

    Culled from CrossRiverwatch

    No fewer than nineteenth suspected armed robbers and Kidnappers have reportedly escaped from Police custody in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The suspects were said to have escaped between Saturday night and Sunday morning having used a hacksaw to cut the key to the cell.

    The suspects were cooling their feet at the police headquarters, Diamond Hill Calabar, were they escaped.

    As at press time, the station guard on night duty and some other officers on duty have been detained, but the police authority is yet to issue a statement to this effect.

  • Hon. Jarigbe Agom Hands Over Completed Solar Power Borehole To Ikandangha

     

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  • Just In: A Medical Doctor Attacked At Ogoja By Unknown Men

    By Admin

    The Medical Officer In charge of TBL Moniaya Ogoja, Dr. Njoku was attacked last night, Sunday December 13th 2020 at Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The Lumine News learnt that Dr. Njoku is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed facility.

    This incident is unfortunate as medical doctors under the umbrella of Nigerian Medical Association in the state is currently embarking on strike to protest the insecurity in the state.

    As at the time of filing this report, what led to his attack, is yet to be disclosed.